Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Investigation
Leads to Convictions for Illegal Hunting

As the result of a recent investigation by officers of the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice, two men have been convicted of illegal hunting.

On the evening of October 6, 2013, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers received a complaint of illegal night hunting on Granite Lake Road near Millertown. An investigation into the complaint led to the arrests of William J. Cleary of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Ernest C. Clarke of Paradise early the next morning at a cabin near Lake Ambrose.

Both men ultimately pled guilty and were convicted of taking more than one moose and hunting at night while Mr. Cleary was also convicted of hunting in the wrong area. Each individual is prohibited from holding a moose or caribou licence for a five-year period and the total amount of fines incurred was $5,750. Mr. Cleary was also required to forfeit two moose and his firearm to the Crown.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officials continue to pursue and investigate individuals who undertake illegal poaching operations. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province’s resources and to ensuring that they remain available for those who respect the need for legislation to properly manage and conserve fish and game.

As is evident in this case and many others, the public plays a critical role in helping officials catch poachers by anonymously reporting suspected poaching activity. Reports can be made by anyone, 24 hours a day, toll-free, to the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division at 1-877-820-0999 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.stoppoaching.ca or   www.nlcrimestoppers.com .

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca 

2013 12 17                                     4:20 p.m.